Fishing is a lot of fun, especially when you have a fish finder. However, they can get expensive, and you probably don’t want to pay so much for a fish finder. Getting the right fish finder for according to your budget, you probably have done some research, but aren’t sure what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for something under a price range, you will have to sacrifice some features, but you can find a best fish finder for under 200. This article is for you if you’ve looked for a fish finder, but aren’t sure what you need to find one for a reasonable price.

Screen

Most fish finders will have a good-sized screen. They can range in between 3 and 5 inches, which is plenty enough to see everything on the screen. The pixels may be on the lower end, but you will still be able to make out shapes and objects on the screen.

Another factor about the screen to consider is whether it should be colorized or black and white. Most fish finders have put the black and white screens out to pasture, but there are some models that feature B/W. Colorized screens are better for seeing everything clearly.

Frequency

As you search for a fish finder, one of the most important factors to consider is the frequency. While a fish finder for under $200 probably won’t include CHIRP sonar, you can still find one that is dual frequency.

This feature allows you to fish in deep and shallow waters, making it practical for anyone that loves to fish. If you do some shopping around, some fish finder’s do include CHIRP sonar. CHIRP sonar puts out a small sound that tells you when it gets a hit on a fish.

GPS

GPS is the perfect tool to help you navigate through the roughest waters, but you should make sure that it is included. Some models won’t have GPS, and for good reason. Adding GPS to a fish finder can make the cost go way up, so it’s a good idea to see if the fish finder is already equipped.

If a fish finder doesn’t have a GPS on it, you could spring for a separate system. This could be more expensive, and you will need to make sure you’re not installing wrong. You should consider where you’re going to fish, if you are familiar with the area, and how you’re going to use the fish finder.

SD Slots

SD slots provide extra memory for the fish finder, and you can save different waypoints and your favorite fishing spots. Some models may include an SD slot, but it may be more expensive to get one with an SD slot.

As an alternative, you can find out if the fish finder model has a USB port. You can still save your waypoints to the fish finder, and upload it to your computer later. Though this might not be the ideal way to do it, this is an alternative if you’re shopping for a fish finder on a tight budget.

Down Imaging

Down imaging allows you to see straight down underneath your boat. This comes in handy when you’re driving across the water, and need to determine what is a fish, and what the environment looks like.

While down imaging may not be a necessity, it is a handy tool to have on a fish finder. You can locate more fish, be more accurate with your lines, and catch the fish you want. Down imaging isn’t essential for a fish finder, but it does make fishing a lot easier.

Brand

You should look for a reliable brand when you’re shopping for a fish finder. If something sounds like a knockoff, chances are that it is going to quit working. Sticking with a brand such as Lowrance or Garmin ensures you’re getting a brand you can trust.

Though there are many brands available, and they perform well, you should consider where you’re spending your money. Garmin and Lowrance are two of the most common, and a fish finder for under $200 may not have good quality, especially if it’s an unknown brand.

Conclusion

Finding a fish finder on a tight budget is possible, but you will need to question what you need and what you can live without. Though there are many brands available, not everyone is going to be the same.

One of the biggest problems with finding a reliable fish finder for under $200 is the quality of the fish finder. Some of the bigger brand names are going to be a lot better than a name that hasn’t been around for a while. Make sure you do some research, and find out if the fish finder is right for you.